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What is herpes and what does it do?
Herpes Labialis Virus or Herpes Simplex is a viral infection associated with annoying, small, burning blisters. The areas around the mouth are usually affected. Especially the lips.
However, the herpes virus can generally also spread in the mouth, eyes and other parts of the body.
Many who carry the virus do not even notice it. This is because these people do not develop herpes. The virus only really breaks out in around 30 percent.
Cold sores are also known colloquially as cold sores. This recurring disease occurs primarily when the immune system failsis weakened. This can have many causes. For one, colds can be to blame. Especially in the cold season and when you are struggling with a cold, the herpes virus strikes.
How can I get infected with the herpes virus?
The immune system plays an important role here. Reasons for a weakened immune system can be: stress, infectious diseases, cancer, but also a hormonal change.
The virus is transmitted via various routes, such as droplet transmission. The virus can be transmitted by sneezing or coughing. If you drink something together with someone, for example from a cup or a bottle, it can happen that you get infected here too. The herpes virus is spread through direct contact with the blisters, be it through kissing or touching, as well as through contact with the mucous membranes, for example during sexual intercourse.
The virus is contagious as long as the blisters have not dried up and are weeping. As a rule, however, the cold sores should heal in 7 to 10 days.
How can I protect myself against this? Can I treat herpes?
There are good ways you can use to speed up the process until it heals. In pharmacies, for example, there are herpes creams with which the affected areas can be creamed.
But there is also the possibility of speeding up the process with old home remedies. It is important to dry out the blisters. But also to ensure that the dried-out areas cannot burst open or tear open due to possible cold. A home remedy for herpes, which has proven itself well, is toothpaste. The toothpaste dries out the blisters overnight. You can then very carefully dab the toothpaste away with warm water in the morning.
Are there any risks if I get herpes?
Yes, there are indeed risks. Although the infection itself is generally risk-free, there are situations in which the virus can become life-threatening.
This is the case, for example, when a newborn becomes infected with this virus. Purulent wounds can also form from scratching the infected areas. The herpes viruses can spread to neurodermatitis skin . Herpes can also lead to pneumonia. This is more of an exception, but still possible in rare cases. If the virus comes into contact with the eye, it can impair vision.
Another risk is in pregnant women. If you get genital herpes during pregnancy, your gynecologist will usually advise you to have a caesarean section.
Can I prevent the virus?
There is no real protection against herpes viruses. However, you can prevent infection by staying away from people with herpes. If someone near you has the virus, be careful not to touch their saliva. Kissing is taboo during this time, and towels, glasses, cutlery and the like should not be shared. If your fingers come into contact with an infected area, wash your hands immediately and do not come into contact with mucous membranes. Even the smallest burning sensation on the lips should be given a suitable medication on the affected area.
